The CFIA recognizes world rabies day

OTTAWA, September 27, 2010: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) joins partners around the world in commemorating World Rabies Day on September 28. This initiative raises awareness of the effect of the disease on humans and animals and how the disease can be avoided.

"Rabies is preventable, and yet the disease remains a serious health concern in many countries," says Brian Evans, Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada. "Canada is dedicated to working with national and international partners in both the animal and human health communities to stop the spread of rabies."

Every year more than 55 000 people worldwide die from the disease. Using education and awareness, everyone can help control and prevent the disease.

The CFIA Centre of Expertise for Rabies in Ottawa will be marking the day with a symposium to share information and raise global awareness of rabies. Presentations will focus on rabies research and the work that is being carried out at the CFIA.

The CFIA is responsible for controlling the spread of rabies in domestic animals, including livestock. Under Canadian law, rabies is a "federally reportable disease." This means that a person must inform the CFIA if they have (or know about) an animal that is either suspected to have rabies or has been exposed to rabies.

Rabies is a viral disease that can attack the central nervous system of all mammals, including humans. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. In Canada, bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks are common transmitters of the disease.

For more information on Canada's approach to controlling rabies, visit www.inspection.gc.ca. For more information on World Rabies Day, visit www.worldrabiesday.org.

For additional information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-773-6600